Greene County, Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Greene County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parker extremely stony loam, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elioak clay loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Myersville and Catoctin extremely stony silt loams, 25 to 80 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elioak loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Elioak loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ashe sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lew extremely stony loam, 25 to 75 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Meadowville fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Elioak clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Myersville and Catoctin extremely stony silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chester and Parker soils, very stony, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lew extremely stony loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Suches-Codorus complex | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Craigsville cobbly sandy loam | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hatboro loam | 2K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Catoctin-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 80 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buckhall loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Thurmont very stony loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lew extremely stony loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Buckhall loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 68% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.